Wayne Rooney to be in Manchester United squad for EFL Cup final

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be in the squad for Sunday's EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley.

The 31-year-old has missed United's last five matches with a variety of minor issues, leading to speculation that he could make a lucrative move to the Chinese Super League before their transfer deadline on Tuesday.

However, the United skipper yesterday confirmed that he will be staying at the club until at least the end of the season and he will make his return to the squad for this weekend's trip to the capital.

"He [committed his future] in the right moment, the best moment, his statement," Mourinho told reporters.

"The questions were the only questions he could answer. He did it in exactly in the right moment. That should be the last until the end of the season. He said he wants to help team fight for trophies, I said I would be happy for that.

"He is fine, he has been training with the team. He stayed at home this week so he could have one more important training sessions., No doubt he will be involved [in the EFL Cup final]."

Mourinho also confirmed that Michael Carrick will be fit for the game, despite being forced off shortly past the hour mark in Wednesday's Europa League win over Saint-Etienne.

United will be looking to win their second piece of silverware under Mourinho following their success in the Community Shield in August.